Lot 177: William A. Walker, Elderly Cotton Picker in a Fall Landscape

William Aiken Walker (American/South Carolina, 1838-1921) oil on canvas painting of an elderly, bearded African American sharecropper who leans on a cane. A large, woven cotton basket sits to his right and a field of cotton grows behind him. In the distance a house, adjacent building, and split rail fence stand before a line of trees. The ripe cotton and leafless trees suggest an autumnal setting. Signed lower left. With Schultheis Art Galleries, New York label affixed to back of frame. Housed in a likely original giltwood frame. Sight: 13 1/2" H x 9 1/2" W. Framed: 17 1/2" H x 13 1/2" W. Note: According to the Frick Art Research Library, Schultheis Galleries operated in New York City from 1886 until c. 1948. In light of the attention paid to detail in this painting it is possible that Walker created it especially for the New York art market, as opposed to the souvenir or tourist trade. Biographical note: The son of a prominent cotton agent, Charleston-born William Aiken Walker exhibited his first painting at the South Carolina Institute Fair at the age of 12. He went to Europe to study art in 1860 but returned to America during the Civil War, in which he served as a Confederate private and, following an injury, as a cartographer. After the war, Walker became primarily known for his prolific Southern scenes, mostly depicting rural plantations and the daily life of African Americans.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition, with 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" area of retouching to sky, upper right edge, plus minor surface grime and fine craqueleure throughout. See UV photography.